It’s official: I’m a Masters Student!

I suppose I could have technically said that after I was accepted into the Computer Science Masters program over the summer, but I started my first graduate level class Monday. As I can't exactly quit my job to pursue this thing, I'm only taking one class per semester. At this rate, it will be a long process, but at least we are under way!

Technically speaking, I suppose I have been under way since the summer of 2001, as I took the various required classes in preparation for being admitted to the Masters program. Now, though, I'm actually making progress towards a degree, and not just prerequisites.

My first class is on Operating System Design. Did you know that most computers today follow the von Neuman model developed in the late 1940's? I know, I know, it changes the way I look at them too...

But seriously, I'm looking forward to this class! It is clear that it will be a significant step up. I am looking forward to the challenge that goes with graduate classes, as opposed to the tendency of the undergraduate classes I took to move slowly and stay fairly basic.

I do find, however, that I have gotten a bit lazy in the last six months or so. The class I signed up for in the Summer of 2003 was cancelled at the last minute and there were no other classes I could take, so I ended up having the summer free. Additionally, I could not take a class in the Fall because we were gone for most of the first three weeks of the semester. I really enjoyed not having to make the trek to campus several times a week, and having my evenings free. Alas, now I will spend my Monday and Wednesday evenings in class, and more evenings studying. Last night I spent the evening (before and after we went to work out) reading from and highlighting a technical book. Oh, Amy says that's not unusual...

It remains to be seen just how far I will get in this process. Your guess is as good as mine. I'd love to finish the Masters degree, but I have to be realistic and admit there are a number of complicating factors, and more are on the horizon. It may be that I have to throw the towel in at some point. Until then, however, I will plug away and learn as much as I can...